FREEPORT, Grand Bahama. April 24, 2024 — In a statement released today, the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) noted that it is aware “of concerns raised among our stakeholders by the very unfortunate public noise which has recently been directed at the GBPA.”
“We would like to reassure our licensees, the residents of Grand Bahama and current and prospective investors that GBPA has not been distracted by this”, the GBPA said. “We remain keenly focused on delivering the $2 billion-plus of investments currently being executed for the benefit of the Grand Bahama economy.”
The statement added, “Through its affiliates, the GBPA Group of Companies has initiated, is invested in or is contractually involved in creating these new investments, and was instrumental in bringing the investors to the table. We continue to work closely with world-renowned Weller Development Partners to see the $300 million resort and branded residences, operated by the world’s #1 luxury resort group Six Senses, come to fruition on Grand Bahama. We are helping to expedite future phases of this key partnership that will be nothing less than transformative for the island.
“We sold the land to Carnival to facilitate the creation of the new Celebration Key cruise port destination and have shepherded the project forward over the last seven years. GBPA remains in constant contact and cooperation with Carnival Cruise Lines as this exciting and job-creating investment progresses to a 2025 opening. Another major cruise port development is being proposed by Bahamas Ports Investments Ltd. (BPI), a joint partnership between Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL) and our subsidiary, Freeport Harbor Company. Meanwhile, the circa $600 million expansion of the Grand Bahama Shipyard, of which the Port Authority Group of Companies is a shareholder, will create hundreds of additional jobs for Grand Bahamians and reestablish the island as the premier destination for mega-ship repair in the region.”
Continuing, the statement said: “Other projects on which GBPA and its Group of Companies have worked diligently include: a new $25 million medical facility by Doctors Hospital; two major renewable energy projects; and a fully Bahamian-owned concrete plant, among many others.
“The people of Grand Bahama can rest assured that we will bring these projects to fruition. Each day, we dedicate ourselves to advancing these initiatives, and we eagerly anticipate sharing news of further exciting developments. We encourage our stakeholders to maintain confidence and remember the resilience we’ve demonstrated together throughout the years. Despite the current challenges, Freeport continues to offer a wonderful environment for living and investing, reflecting our enduring belief in the island’s potential and prosperity.
